U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who has been an ardent supporter of human rights, the environment, health and education during her nearly 15 years in Congress, will be the Commencement speaker on Saturday, May 26, at 12:30 p.m. in Cox Stadium. She will speak before an expected audience of 22,000 people as the ceremonies recognize the 6,491 graduates of the Class of 2001.

"We are honored to have Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi as our commencement speaker as she embodies so many of the values we hold dear on this campus: equal access to education, commitment to community and concern for the world around us," said President Robert A. Corrigan. "Her congressional leadership on such issues as human rights, AIDS and breast cancer prevention and research, education, and protection of the environment makes her voice one that will resonate with our graduates."

During its Commencement exercises, the University also will honor jazz artist Wesla Whitfield as its Alumna of the Year, scholar Thomas Ehrlich as the University's Presidential Medal awardee, and philanthropist Richard N. Goldman as recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the CSU system. CampusMemo will provide detailed information about these honorees in its next edition.

Pelosi, now serving her seventh term representing the citizens of San Francisco in California's Eighth Congressional District, has emerged as a congressional leader, playing a pivotal role in forging appropriations bills for the nation's domestic programs and foreign investments. She has consistently advocated increased spending for prevention and research on AIDS/HIV and breast cancer.

As a longtime friend and advocate for SFSU, Pelosi has been successful in sponsoring legislation on behalf of the University and helping to secure support for scientific research, early childhood education programs and minority access.

Faculty who plan to participate in Commencement on May 26 must line up no later than noon, by Centennial Village next to the road by the Student Services Building. The processional for graduates will begin at 12:15 p.m.

Shelley Cole, a member of the morning custodial staff from Campus Support Services since 1997, is being recognized as the first STAR of the Month for SFSU. Cole was nominated because of the evident pride he takes in his work. The thoroughness with which he performs his duties on campus brings smiles to other employees' faces. His outstanding effort can be seen daily. Cole's exemplary performance serves to remind colleagues that unsung heroes can make a noticeable difference in the work environment.

As the STAR of the Month, Cole will enjoy four free lunches on campus and a free parking pass or one month's public transportation cost. He will also be eligible for the STAR of the Year award.

The Academic Senate will meet tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Nob Hill Room of the Seven Hills Conference Center. Agenda items include: a proposed resolution on new independent doctoral programs in the CSU, a proposed resolution in support of the May 16 mobilization to reverse the affirmative action ban in the University of California system, a proposed policy on annual faculty development days, a presentation by CSU Statewide Senator Robert Cherny (chair, Academic Affairs Committee) on the CSU under t
he Master Plan, and a discussion of a proposed statement of concern regarding the leadership of CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. The Senate will also discuss proposed discontinuances of the master of science in taxation; minor in positive health, fitness and leisure; and master of arts in creative arts: concentration in inter-disciplinary arts and in creativity and arts education.

During the meeting, elections will also be held for faculty representatives to the following committees: Alumni Association Board; Franciscan Shops Board of Directors; and Students, Faculty and Staff with Disabilities Committee. Nominations for faculty representation to the committees will be accepted until 5 p.m. today.

The College of Science and Engineering will hold a retirement party for Dean James Kelley on May 23. It is open to the campus community and will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University Club.

In lieu of gifts, the College of Science and Engineering is accepting donations to the James C. Kelley Scholarship Fund. Dean Kelley has graciously offered to match all do-nations. For details, contact Ng at EXT 8-1571.

The Theatre Arts Department presents Georges Feydeau's farce, "A Flea in Her Ear," translated and directed by Professor William Peters.

Remaining performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $9 for students. For information and tickets, call the Creative Arts Box Office at EXT 8-2467.

The Athletics Department is proud to announce that the 2001 California Collegiate Athletic Association Track and Field Championships will be held at Cox Stadium this Friday and Saturday. Those interested in volunteering at the meet can contact Doug Hupke at EXT 8-1193.

The campus community is invited to Festival 2001, SFSU's third annual celebration of culture and identity, today through Wednesday. This event provides a venue for members of the SFSU community to showcase and celebrate their cultural, professional or social contribution to the identity of the University.

The opening reception will be held today from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Depot/Pub in the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Light refresh-ments will be served. Tomorrow, Souls of Mischief will perform at noon on Malcolm X Plaza. Student organizations will also have tables on the Main Lawn. On Wednesday, the West African Highlife Band will perform at noon on Malcolm X Plaza.

For details, call the Office of Human Relations at EXT 5-0434. Festival 2001 is sponsored by the offices of Human Relations and Student Programs/Leadership Development, A.S. Performing Arts, and the Student Center.
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The Student Health Center and Kaiser Permanente present "Body in Balance," a women's health conference to be held this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on campus. The conference will include workshops on smart sex, self-defense, body image, nutrition, yoga, lesbian health, depression, meditation, natural healing, menopause, osteoporosis and much more. Osteoporosis screenings and blood pressure tests will also be offered.

The conference costs $12 for students, $25 for Kaiser members and $30 for others. Breakfast and lunch are included. Call (415) 202-1213 to register.

The campus community is invited to attend "Ground Up: Race and Diversity Discussion" this Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rosa Parks Conference Room in the Cesar Chavez Student Center. The event will begin with a screening of the film "Skin Deep," which explores the racial and ethnic issues faced by college students of different backgrounds as they embark on a three-day event.

Michigan State University Professor Richard Peterson will deliver the annual V.J. McGill Memorial Lecture today at 3:30 p.m. in HUM 392. His lecture will be on "Race, Critical Theory and Human Rights."

The Academic Senate invites all faculty and staff to the Senate's annual "End-of-Year" reception this Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the University Club. For details, call the Academic Senate Office at EXT 8-1264.

The Friends of J. Paul Leonard Library is holding a used book sale to raise money for the Library. If you are culling your books at home or the office, please set aside your spares for this worthy cause. Need a pick-up? Call the Friends' office at EXT 8-2408.

Faculty and staff are invited to honor retiring faculty at the annual "Rites of Passage" celebration May 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the University Club.